| A Mix CD is a simple, fun, and long lasting kid's birthday | | | | and the dawn of Springtime)Wilco/Billy Bragg " Hoodoo |
| party favor idea. A CD mix of your child's favorite | | | | Voodoo" from "Mermaid Avenue" (a Woody Guthrie |
| songs from the past 12 months easily trumps the | | | | song written for his kids. A ton of fun to listen to as |
| dollar-store quality toys, balloons, stickers and regular | | | | Woody uses several hilarious made-up words and |
| party favor material which is forgotten about or | | | | phrases in his lyrics. Wilco and Bragg's performance is |
| broken shortly after it is received. A mix CD is long | | | | a blast)Dr. Dog "The World May Never Know" from |
| lasting, enjoyable, interactive, and a perfect document | | | | "Easy Beat" (our daughter's favorite song at one point. |
| of your child's previous year, through music. When | | | | it has a beat so infectious that it is almost impossible |
| compiled yearly it becomes a chronicle of your child's | | | | not to start dancing, or a the very least swaying back |
| interest in music (both the kid and adult variety) and as | | | | and forth, with the first note)The Band "Ain't Got No |
| far as memories go a collection of mix CDs, one for | | | | Home" from "Moondog Matinee" (The Band covered |
| each year of his or her life, will become as treasured | | | | Clarence "Frogman" Henry's classic 1956 song and |
| as any crayola masterpiece or notches on a growth | | | | made it their own. Your kids will love Levon Helm |
| chart.Mix CDs can be put together with relative ease | | | | singing like a Frog on one of the early verses. Check |
| assuming you have access to a PC w/ CD-RW drive, | | | | out Clarence Henry's original version as well)The |
| the internet/iTunes, and a printer.Here is what you will | | | | Beach Boys "Surfin' USA" (a summertime classic. |
| need and how much it will cost (for a party of 25 | | | | what kid or parent can resist singing along with this |
| kids):1) Music, of course! See below for some | | | | super-catchy tune. if your child is like mine he or she |
| suggestions. Assuming you do not own any of the | | | | will soon be turning the knees-bent and arms-out |
| music for this CD (which would be odd, since | | | | surfing motion into their own new dance, creating an |
| presumably your child has already been enjoying his or | | | | instant classic moment. have your video-camera |
| her favorite songs) expect to pay .99 cents each on | | | | charged and ready!)Softer:M. Ward "Here Comes the |
| iTunes (but you only have to buy each song once!)2) | | | | Sun Again" from "Transistor Radio" (a lovely homage |
| CD-Rs.3) Jewel Cases. We would recommend the | | | | to that big ball of heat in the sky from this terrific |
| slim cases for this project. You could be even more | | | | "old-soul" singer/songwriter)Red House Painters |
| creative by making paper sleeves and stamp and/or | | | | "Wop-A-Din-Din" from "Old Ramon" (a touching song |
| stencil the album details on the cover.4) Labels. Most | | | | about a cat. if you and your family have a cat in the |
| packs include easy to use software for designing and | | | | house, this song will became a favorite and if you don't |
| printing your own labels for the CD, Jewel Case front, | | | | you may want to rush out and get one!)Archer Prewitt |
| back, and spine.Costs1) The Music - 12 songs (a | | | | "I'll Be Waiting" from "White Sky" (lyrically could easily |
| decent length for a mix CD): $122) CD-Rs: $15 (for a | | | | be a love song from parent to child. Archer has one of |
| 50 pack - so you will have enough for next year's | | | | the finest singing voices of the past decade)The |
| party!)3) Slim Jewel Cases: $18 (for a pack of 25)4) | | | | Gilroys "Martin Candy" from their self-titled CD (kid's |
| Labels and Software: $15 (for 40 complete sets of CD | | | | should love the instrumentation and parents with a love |
| labels)Total: $60. Or a little more than $2 each for a | | | | of older comedy films should get the funny movie |
| party of 25 kids.Here are some suggestions for "adult" | | | | reference in the refrain's lyrics and song title. full |
| music that can be downloaded from iTunes (or most | | | | disclosure: my old record label released this song. )Nick |
| other digital download services) and shared with your | | | | Drake "Northern Sky" from "Bryter Layter" (simply one |
| kids of any age, organized as "Louder" and "Softer" | | | | of the prettiest love songs ever written)Be sure to |
| selections. Don't worry, the loud is not ear shattering | | | | include a nice blend of the "adult" songs that your child |
| and the soft will not put you to sleep.Louder: Bright | | | | enjoys as well as their favorite kids tunes. This |
| Eyes "True Blue" from "Motion Sickness - Live | | | | suggested playlist has been compiled as an iMix on |
| Recordings" (a studio version of "True Blue" is available | | | | iTunes, titled "OWTK Volume 1", for quick and easy |
| on their "Lua" EP. "Motion Sickness", a more recent | | | | downloading.Enjoy the music and your child's birthday |
| release, was only made available through independent | | | | party!Copyright 2006 With The Kids is a web blog |
| record stores. Both versions are quite good, but our | | | | dedicated to providing unique tips, trips, events, and |
| daughter prefers the more raucous live version)Josh | | | | ideas to families striving to raise healthy, happy, and |
| Ritter "Snow is Gone" from "Hello Starling" (a terrific | | | | interesting kids. |
| song about the magical period between end of Winter | | | | |